The Effect of Grip Strength and Anticipation on Spin Serve Effectiveness in Junior Tennis Players
Keywords:
tennis, spin serve, racket grip strength, motion anticipation
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of racket grip strength and motion anticipation on the effectiveness of spin serves among junior tennis athletes in Makassar. Using a quantitative correlational design, 20 athletes aged 14–18 years participated. Grip strength was measured with a handgrip dynamometer, motion anticipation with a visual reaction test, and spin serve effectiveness through video analysis of accuracy, direction, and bounce. Multiple regression analysis (α = 0.05) showed that both variables significantly affected spin serve effectiveness (R² = 0.551; p < 0.05). Grip strength had a greater contribution (β = 0.46; p = 0.008) than motion anticipation (β = 0.39; p = 0.018). The findings highlight the importance of integrating physical and cognitive training to enhance spin serve performance in junior tennis athletes. Strength and anticipation training should be combined to optimize serve outcomes
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References
Aprilo, I., Arfanda, P. E., Mappaompo, M. A., Yusnadi, Rizal, A., & Asyhari, H. (2025). Biomechanical Analysis of Tennis Spin Serve Technique Using Kinovea in Beginner Athletes in South Sulawesi. Journal Physical Health Recreation (JPHR), 5(2).
Aprilo, I., Asmawi, M., & Tangkudung, J. (2022). Kinovea-Based : Tennis Spin Serve Analysis. Journal of Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreations, 11(2), 7985. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.15294/active.v11i2.55643
Aprilo, I., Hakim, H., Arfanda, P. E., Susilo, & Halim, A. (2023). Coiling Exercises Effect On Tennis Spin Serve. Journal of Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreations, 12(3), 247–253.
Beckmanni, J., Fimpel, L., & Wergin, V. V. (2021). Preventing a loss of accuracy of the tennis serve under pressure. PLoS ONE, 16(July), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255060
Berhimpong, M. W., Mangolo, E. W., Makadada, F. A., Hadjarati, H., Perdana, G. S., & Ilham. (2023). Exploring the impact of drills training and grip strength on tennis serve performance: A factorial experimental design research. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 23(11), 3108–3118. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.11355
Bilić, Z., Martić, P., Barbaros, P., Sinković, F., & Novak, D. (2024). Neuromuscular Fitness Is Associated with Serve Speed in Young Female Tennis Players. Sports, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12040097
Brito, A. V., Afonso, J., Silva, G., Fernandez-Fernandez, J., & Fernandes, R. J. (2024). Biophysical characterization of the tennis serve: A systematic scoping review with evidence gap map. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 27(2), 125–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2023.10.018
Busuttil, N. A., Dunn, M., Roberts, A. H., Perrett, C., & Middleton, K. J. (2025). Acute effects of a physically constraining tool on different phases of tennis serve technique. Journal of Sports Sciences, 43(13), 1207–1218. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2025.2490417
Busuttil, N. A., Reid, M., Connolly, M., Dascombe, B. J., & Middleton, K. J. (2022). A kinematic analysis of the upper limb during the topspin double-handed backhand stroke in tennis. Sports Biomechanics, 21(9), 1046–1064. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1726994
Carboch, J., & Hrychová, D. (2025). Analysis of the Serve Toss and its Impact on Serve Outcome in Competitive and Recreational Tennis Players : A Case Study. 14(1), 45–51. https://doi.org/10.54392/ijpefs2515
Colomar, J., Corbi, F., Brich, Q., & Baiget, E. (2022). Determinant Physical Factors of Tennis Serve Velocity: A Brief Review. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(8), 1159–1169. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0091
Dobos, K., Novak, D., Tóth, J. P., & Ökrös, C. (2024). Rate of Force Development During a Handgrip Task Is Correlated with the Post-Impact Ball Speed of the Flat Serve. Sports, 12(11), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12110292
Gorce, P., & Jacquier-Bret, J. (2024). Are there kinematic and kinetic parameters correlated with racket velocity during the tennis serve? A preliminary comparison between a slow and a fast serve for performance improvement. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6(October), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1451174
Huebner, M., Riemann, B., & Hatchett, A. (2023). Grip Strength and Sports Performance in Competitive Master Weightlifters. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032033
Huesmann, K., & Loffing, F. (2024). Perception-action coupling in anticipation research: a classification and its application to racket sports. Frontiers in Psychology, 15(July), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1396873
Jacquier-Bret, J., & Gorce, P. (2024). Kinematics of the Tennis Serve Using an Optoelectronic Motion Capture System: Are There Correlations between Joint Angles and Racket Velocity? Sensors, 24(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113292
Koya, N., Kitamura, T., & Takahashi, H. (2022). Prediction of Service Performance Based on Physical Strength in Elite Junior Tennis Players. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(May), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.898224
Lambrich, J., & Muehlbauer, T. (2023). Biomechanical analyses of different serve and groundstroke techniques in tennis: A systematic scoping review. PLoS ONE, 18(8 August), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290320
Müller, S., Morris-Binelli, K., Hambrick, D. Z., & Macnamara, B. N. (2024). Accelerating Visual Anticipation in Sport Through Temporal Occlusion Training: A Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 54(10), 2597–2606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02073-6
Novak, D., Sinković, F., Bilić, Z., & Barbaros, P. (2023). The Effects of a Short Virtual Reality Training Program on Dynamic Balance in Tennis Players. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040168
Rigozzi, C. J., Vio, G. A., & Poronnik, P. (2023). Comparison of Grip Strength, Forearm Muscle Activity, and Shock Transmission between the Forehand Stroke Technique of Experienced and Recreational Tennis Players Using a Novel Wearable Device. Sensors, 23(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115146
Rosker, J., & Majcen Rosker, Z. (2021). Skill Level in Tennis Serve Return Is Related to Adaptability in Visual Search Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(September), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.689378
Triolet, C., & Benguigui, N. (2024). Anticipation training for expert tennis players when facing a specific player. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1508627
Vacek, J., Vagner, M., Malecek, J., Simsa, J., Oláh, V., & Stastny, P. (2025). The Role of Toss Zenith and Impact Height in the Relationship Between Shoulder Rotation Strength and Serve Speed in Junior Tennis Players. 0–17. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202509.2183.v1
Zhang, Y., & Chen, Z. (2024). Kinematic differences in forehand serve-receiving techniques of the male tennis players at low and high-speed serves. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 26586. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-77564-7
Zhu, R., Zheng, M., Liu, S., Guo, J., & Cao, C. (2024). Effects of Perceptual-Cognitive Training on Anticipation and Decision-Making Skills in Team Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Behavioral Sciences, 14(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14100919
Aprilo, I., Asmawi, M., & Tangkudung, J. (2022). Kinovea-Based : Tennis Spin Serve Analysis. Journal of Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreations, 11(2), 7985. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.15294/active.v11i2.55643
Aprilo, I., Hakim, H., Arfanda, P. E., Susilo, & Halim, A. (2023). Coiling Exercises Effect On Tennis Spin Serve. Journal of Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreations, 12(3), 247–253.
Beckmanni, J., Fimpel, L., & Wergin, V. V. (2021). Preventing a loss of accuracy of the tennis serve under pressure. PLoS ONE, 16(July), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255060
Berhimpong, M. W., Mangolo, E. W., Makadada, F. A., Hadjarati, H., Perdana, G. S., & Ilham. (2023). Exploring the impact of drills training and grip strength on tennis serve performance: A factorial experimental design research. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 23(11), 3108–3118. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.11355
Bilić, Z., Martić, P., Barbaros, P., Sinković, F., & Novak, D. (2024). Neuromuscular Fitness Is Associated with Serve Speed in Young Female Tennis Players. Sports, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12040097
Brito, A. V., Afonso, J., Silva, G., Fernandez-Fernandez, J., & Fernandes, R. J. (2024). Biophysical characterization of the tennis serve: A systematic scoping review with evidence gap map. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 27(2), 125–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2023.10.018
Busuttil, N. A., Dunn, M., Roberts, A. H., Perrett, C., & Middleton, K. J. (2025). Acute effects of a physically constraining tool on different phases of tennis serve technique. Journal of Sports Sciences, 43(13), 1207–1218. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2025.2490417
Busuttil, N. A., Reid, M., Connolly, M., Dascombe, B. J., & Middleton, K. J. (2022). A kinematic analysis of the upper limb during the topspin double-handed backhand stroke in tennis. Sports Biomechanics, 21(9), 1046–1064. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1726994
Carboch, J., & Hrychová, D. (2025). Analysis of the Serve Toss and its Impact on Serve Outcome in Competitive and Recreational Tennis Players : A Case Study. 14(1), 45–51. https://doi.org/10.54392/ijpefs2515
Colomar, J., Corbi, F., Brich, Q., & Baiget, E. (2022). Determinant Physical Factors of Tennis Serve Velocity: A Brief Review. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(8), 1159–1169. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0091
Dobos, K., Novak, D., Tóth, J. P., & Ökrös, C. (2024). Rate of Force Development During a Handgrip Task Is Correlated with the Post-Impact Ball Speed of the Flat Serve. Sports, 12(11), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12110292
Gorce, P., & Jacquier-Bret, J. (2024). Are there kinematic and kinetic parameters correlated with racket velocity during the tennis serve? A preliminary comparison between a slow and a fast serve for performance improvement. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6(October), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1451174
Huebner, M., Riemann, B., & Hatchett, A. (2023). Grip Strength and Sports Performance in Competitive Master Weightlifters. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032033
Huesmann, K., & Loffing, F. (2024). Perception-action coupling in anticipation research: a classification and its application to racket sports. Frontiers in Psychology, 15(July), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1396873
Jacquier-Bret, J., & Gorce, P. (2024). Kinematics of the Tennis Serve Using an Optoelectronic Motion Capture System: Are There Correlations between Joint Angles and Racket Velocity? Sensors, 24(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113292
Koya, N., Kitamura, T., & Takahashi, H. (2022). Prediction of Service Performance Based on Physical Strength in Elite Junior Tennis Players. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(May), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.898224
Lambrich, J., & Muehlbauer, T. (2023). Biomechanical analyses of different serve and groundstroke techniques in tennis: A systematic scoping review. PLoS ONE, 18(8 August), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290320
Müller, S., Morris-Binelli, K., Hambrick, D. Z., & Macnamara, B. N. (2024). Accelerating Visual Anticipation in Sport Through Temporal Occlusion Training: A Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 54(10), 2597–2606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02073-6
Novak, D., Sinković, F., Bilić, Z., & Barbaros, P. (2023). The Effects of a Short Virtual Reality Training Program on Dynamic Balance in Tennis Players. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040168
Rigozzi, C. J., Vio, G. A., & Poronnik, P. (2023). Comparison of Grip Strength, Forearm Muscle Activity, and Shock Transmission between the Forehand Stroke Technique of Experienced and Recreational Tennis Players Using a Novel Wearable Device. Sensors, 23(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115146
Rosker, J., & Majcen Rosker, Z. (2021). Skill Level in Tennis Serve Return Is Related to Adaptability in Visual Search Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(September), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.689378
Triolet, C., & Benguigui, N. (2024). Anticipation training for expert tennis players when facing a specific player. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1508627
Vacek, J., Vagner, M., Malecek, J., Simsa, J., Oláh, V., & Stastny, P. (2025). The Role of Toss Zenith and Impact Height in the Relationship Between Shoulder Rotation Strength and Serve Speed in Junior Tennis Players. 0–17. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202509.2183.v1
Zhang, Y., & Chen, Z. (2024). Kinematic differences in forehand serve-receiving techniques of the male tennis players at low and high-speed serves. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 26586. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-77564-7
Zhu, R., Zheng, M., Liu, S., Guo, J., & Cao, C. (2024). Effects of Perceptual-Cognitive Training on Anticipation and Decision-Making Skills in Team Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Behavioral Sciences, 14(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14100919
Published
2025-12-03
How to Cite
Ians Aprilo, Poppy Elisano Arfanda, M. Adam Mappaompo, Hasbi Asyhari, & Muhammad Isnawan Syafir. (2025). The Effect of Grip Strength and Anticipation on Spin Serve Effectiveness in Junior Tennis Players. Journal Physical Health Recreation (JPHR), 6(1), 43-50. https://doi.org/10.55081/jphr.v6i1.5200
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